Faith in the Age of Artificial Intelligence | ICFAI 2025
Research Paper

Faith In the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Assessing Impacts, Risks, and Future Directions

Jonas Musengimana
Protestant University of Rwanda
Maniraguha Jean Baptiste
Protestant University of Rwanda
Abstract

This paper, Faith in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Assessing Impacts, Risks, and Future Directions, explores the transformative influence of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, on faith-related practices. The rapid integration of AI into everyday life has begun to shape human interaction, knowledge production, and decision-making, raising critical questions about its implications for spirituality, worship, and religious ethics. While AI technologies present opportunities for innovation in theological reflection, pastoral communication, and interfaith dialogue, they also bring significant risks, including concerns about authenticity, human agency, and the potential reduction of spiritual practices to algorithmic processes. The problem under investigation is the lack of systematic analysis of how AI reshapes faith-related practices and the ethical challenges it introduces. The guiding research questions are: (1) What impacts does generative AI have on contemporary faith practices and spiritual engagement? (2) What opportunities can AI provide in strengthening religious communication, community building, and ethical reflection? (3) What risks and ethical dilemmas arise when AI intersects with faith? (4) What future pathways can ensure the responsible integration of AI into spiritual and religious life? The objectives of this study are to examine both the opportunities and challenges AI brings to faith practices, to assess the theological and ethical implications of these changes, and to propose strategies for ensuring that technological innovation supports rather than undermines spiritual integrity. The research employed a qualitative methodology, combining literature review, document analysis, and thematic interpretation of contemporary debates in theology, ethics, and technology studies. It highlights the need for ethical and innovative frameworks that balance technological advancement with enduring spiritual and human-centered values.

Key Concepts
Artificial Intelligence faith practices ethics